C & 0 Canal Association

concerned with the conservation of the natural and historical environment of the C&O Canal and the Potomac River Basin

VOLUME XXXI June 1999 NUMBER2

The Level Walker Issue

As we with good reason emphasize the Level Walker Program in this issue of Along the Towpath, and muster extra strength which will surely be required to support the NPS "Trash in, Trash out" policy, I remind you that it was a level walker that introduced me to the Park in 1970. At that time I was so ignorant about canal matters that I thought, when he told me about being a "level walker", that he had gotten so old and decrepit that he could no longer handle hills and mountains.

Needless to say, my 30 years along the towpath since then have provided abundant iilumination and practical experience as Linda and I have picked up trash and reported on conditions along our own three mile level. And I think that there is no more basic program of support for the park than this. I know of course that there are many ways we serve, and some of them more visible and interactive than this. But the scattered, often unseen and unthanked efforts that keep the park neat and attractive from one end to the other: why there is nothing more basic than this to make the towpath attractive to potential users. And we can tell those users who we are, and what we do, and invite them to join us on the level. --Tom Perry

Several Months ago, a suggestion was made that an issue of Valley and the Canal, and who are willing to "patrol" a Along the Towpath be dedicated to Level Walkers--hence this section twice a year and report on its condition and its month's theme. The name Level Walker comes from the old attractions. The condition-reports will have much value in canal term for one who patrolled a section (level) between locks this pre-Park period when detailed surveillance by the Park along the towpath looking for trouble spots such as leaks. In fact, Service is obviously difficult. As the Park staff increases, level walkers sometimes carried messages and in addition were attention can be turned more completely to what each expected to do a certain amount of canal maintenance. For section contains - in plant and animal life, in geologic today's C&O Canal Association Level Walker, the maintenance interest, in historical association, and in many other work for the most part is not required. fields .....

Enjoy this article from the March 1960 edition of THE LEVEL And so, the Level Walker Program officially began under the WALKER, Volume 1, Number 1, provided from the collection of Chairmanship of Orville Crowder and Co-Chairman Grant the Canal Character himself, Ken Rollins: Conway. Of course, this was a few years after Crowder had pushed a surveyor's wheel up the entire towpath, "making If some future historian wants a date for it, let's call it April careful records a and taking copious notes," said Ken Rollins, in 1st. 1960 - and no puns about April fools! the June 1966 edition of Along the Towpath. "These mileages are the basis for the guide books since published, and in several For April 1 sees the Level Walker program in action from cases where mileages were questioned, re-measurement proved Georgetown to Cumberland. When we started talking to Crowder's records to be accurate." people about it, we thought it would be hard to find 30 participants, each covering 6 miles of Canal. Instead, we've Orville's work with the World Nature Club in the late 1960's kept chopping sections in half to meet the enthusiasm, and adversely impacted on his involvement with the Level Walker we start operation with 70 men along the line. Only a few Program. However, in 1969, at Tom Hahn's suggestion, the sections exceed 3 miles. program was revived. Tom was unanimously volunteered to be the new Chairman (C&O CANALLER, Volume I, Number I, Most of our readers know the plan and purpose by now, August 1969, also provided by Ken). but let's re-state briefly: Since its origin, the program has continued with varying Level Walkers are volunteers who are fond of the Potomac amounts of success, but has always been recognized by the LEVEL WALKERS - continued this large culvert that has many interesting features such as "a stone arch design with a keystone, a face wall that extends three Association Directors as vitally important. For this reason, the to four feet beyond each side of the opening and spreads out Level Walker Chair is also the Second Vice President. fourteen feet at a sixty degree angle as wingwalls which are Currently, Karen Gray is the Level Walker Chair. Karen's past stepped in equal increments at a height of eight fee." (HAER No. efforts as the chair were exemplary and we look forward to her MD-72) current leadership. -- Robert C. Perry Built in the late 1830s, the culvert is approximately 113 feet long with a twelve foot span. Numbered as culvert No. 139 in a Being a Level Walker offers new opportunities for learning proposal from David Lyles (a contractor who also did some of as you will see in the following article. the work on locks 47, 49 and 50 at Four Locks), the culvert's construction required the removal of 1,040 cubic yards of material in the fall of 1835. NEVER UNDERESTIMATE A CULVERT Or: There are a lot of stories UNDER the canal! Prather's Neck, which the canal cut across above Four Locks, was a large tract of arable land, part ofwhich was included in an If you walk the towpath much, you walk over them all the time: original patent granted to Lancelot Jacques and Thomas Those wonderful masonry culverts! Don't ignore them. They Johnson. These two men are major personalities in the region's are among the canal's many endangered treasures and a good history and in the 1760s were partners in one of the earliest of number already have been lost and replaced with metal culverts. Antietam ironworks. Thomas Johnson later became well-known Others are deteriorating visibly and headed for the same fate. to George Washington for his promotion of plans to make the Two on my level between McCoy's Ferry and Fort Frederick are Potomac River navigable. Late in Johnson's life he was a a good example. When I began to walk the level in 1977 the president of the Patowmack Company (predecessor to the C&O prism above the culverts was flawless, cleared, and covered with Canal Company) for four years. Another Jacques, Denton grass that was occasionally mowed. Then depressions formed. Jacques, also associated with an original patent in the Prather's In one case in the prism, in another in the berm wall. Over the Neck area, was engaged by the Potomac Company to clear a years the depressions deepened and widened and are now sizable small rapid near Fort Frederick called Garrison Falls. holes making mowing impossible. A stream flows into the one in the prism of its culvert. If I climb down to the level of the The colorful and diverse history of the Four Locks area is culvert and look through it, I can often see water falling from the matched by the extraordinary number of historic structures at stone ceiling into the stream flowing through the culvert. Bit by this location. They include a dry dock, watch shanty, and mule bit this is loosening stones and increasing the permeability above barn, as well as the four lift locks (#47-#50) and a lock house. the culvert vault. Eventually the culvert will collapse. Also nearby is the historic Hassett farm house and a one room school. But don't ignore the road culvert and its importance to There are two kinds of culverts: Road culverts to provide access the historic farmlands beyond. from the inland to the river side of the canal, and drainage culverts to facilitate drainage from the inland side to the river -- by Karen Gray side of the canal. The specification for these culverts as stated in Canal Company documents, were detailed and indicate the importance of these structure. The Historic American Engineering Record's (HAER) report No. MD-72 on the Prather's Neck Road Culvert includes a copy of these specifications.

The instructions for the foundations when not founded on rock, merits quotation: "Timbers of suitable size, hewed on two sides, shall be laid one foot apart, and extending under the culvert and its walls, and to the depth of four feet below the bottom of the aforesaid timbers. These timbers shall be first puddled between level with their upper surface; and their whole extent shall be floored over with a course of jointed two inch yellow plank, and each plank secured to the timber by at least six locust pins, eight inches long and one and a quarter inches square. On this foundation the walls of the culvert will be erected." (Appendix A, HAER No. MD-72) The Mule The Prather's neck road culvert is significant as it is still used to provide access to the river-side parking area, boat landing, and picnic grounds at Four Locks. That means one can readily study

2 Along the Towpath A LEVEL WALKER'S VIEW OF THE CANAL

Here's the canal as divided into "levels" by the Level Walker Program. Each level has a number and beginning and ending mileages based on those in Tom Hahn's Towpath Guide. My list of walkers may have errors and if so, please let me know (e-mail [email protected] or 202-333-6947). The assignments (indicated by number) sometimes include a couple, friends, or several people who walk together. I've listed them in alphabetical order based on the primary person responsible for the assignment.

Also included is a highlight or two of the level. No level can be walked, cleaned, and reported on too often. So anyone who wants a specific level, will be assigned to it. But walkers are most needed in town and city urban areas, levels difficult to get to, and the upstream levels above Hancock.

Any Association member who wishes to become a level walker and is willing to satisfy the basic requirement of, at least once a year, picking up litter and submitting a report on your level (see ON THE LEVEL following this article for the form) should select a level and let me know.

# I Tidelock. 0.0 to the Incline Plane. 2.26 #I 0 Seneca Aqueduct. 22.82 to Milepost # 18 No lands Ferrv. 44.58 to Point of Rocks. I. John Barnett, 2. Douglas Bark, 3. Carl 25.00 48.20 Linden, 4. Rachael Stewart. Tidelock and I. Don Groselma, 2. John and Valerie I. Eric Dutrow, 2. John and Patty Hawley, Locks # 1-#4 in Georgetown, Alexandria Wheeler. Lock #24 (Rileys), Seneca 3. Norma Hendrickson. Historic Aqueduct abutment. Aqueduct(# I), Seneca quarry, site of Nolands Ferry location, Tuscarora #2 Incline Plane. 2.26 to Lock 5. 5.02 Tschiffely Mill, excellent birding area. Feeder, Pt. of Rocks RR Station. I. Larry and Sue Anderson, 2. Laura #II Milepost 25.0 to Sycamore Landing. # 19 Point of Rocks. 48.20 to Catoctin Gilliam, 3. Jim and Gera Millar, 4. Bill 27.21 Aqueduct. 51.53 Quinn. Site of the incline plane, Abner I. Sharon Freedman, 2. Kumar Vaswani. A I. John and Sue Anderson, 2. Jack Cook, 3. Cloud House, Fletchers boathouse, site of "remote" area including the Winslow Lyman Stucker. Remains of a pivot Potomac Company's Little Falls Skirting Archaeological Site that was active bridge, Lock #28 and #29 (Catoctin), Canal. Lock #5 and Inlet Lock# I. 1950-62 and revealed an active Native Lander area. First 2 of 4 narrow areas #3 Lock 5. 5.02 to Cabin John Creek. 7.50 American culture. where B&O RR and C&O Canal I. Dot Johnson, 2. James and Joan Wilson. # 12 Sycamore Landing. 27.21 to Edwards contended for right-of-way. Lock #6, Feeder Dam #I and Lock #7, Glen Ferry. 30.84 #20 Catoctin Aqueduct, 51.53 to Lock 30 Echo. I. Charlene Bloedorn, 2. Charles Ostot, 3. (Brunswick). 55.00 #4 Cabin John Creek. 7.50 to Lock 14. 9.47 Stepehen Pollock, 4. Rich Wagner. I. Mario and Anne Abbate, 2. Sylvia and I. Charles Bookman, 2. Carolyn Reeder. Historic culverts, Goose Creek river Charles Diss, 3. Thad Hecht. Catoctin View of Cabin John Bridge and Locks #7 to locks for Goose Creek Navigation Aqueduct (#3), historic culverts. # 14, Seven Locks area. across the river. #21 Lock 30 (Brunswick). 55.00 to Lock #5 Lock 14. 9.47 to Cropley bridge. 12.28 # 13 Edwards Ferrv. 30.84 to Harrison 31. 58.01 I. Jim and Jan Heins, 2. Jim and Gera Island. 33.27 I. John Barnett, 2. David Johnson, 3. Ron Mi llar, 3. Samuel Moore,. Lock #14, I. Bert Grose, 2. David Gwatkin. Lock #25 Milburg, Becky Taylor and Girl Scout Carderock Recereation Area, dramatic views and site of historic Edwards Ferry, troop# 1625. Lock #30 (Brunswick), of the river. Broad Run wooden aqueduct. ruins of Weaverton. #6 Cropley Bridge. 12.28 to the Great Falls # 14 Harrison Island. 33.27 to Whites Ferrv. #22 Lock 31. 58.0 I to Lock 33. 60.70 Tavern. 14.30 35.50 I. Bob Schoen. Lock #31 (Weverton), I. Harry Bridges, 2. Helen Johnson. Scenic I. Barry Beals, 2. Herbert Madison. Civil historic town of Sandy Hook, Lock lake-like widewater; Locks# 15 to #20 (Six War battle site of Balls Bluff on #32 (Sandy Hook), the Shenandoah Locks), stop gate and levee, Olmstead opposite bank, across Harrison Island. River Lock. Bridges to Great Falls view. # 15 Whites Ferrv. 35.50 to Woods Lock. #23 Harpers Ferry. 60.70 to Dam #3. 62.27 #7 Great Fall s Tavern. 14.30 to Swains lock. 39.37 I. Solomon Howard, 2. Moire Queen, 3. 16.64 I. Herbert Madison, 2. Richard and Andrea George Wyeth. Lock #33 (Harpers I. Alan and Rebecca Hedin, 2. Jack Tibbets. Whites Ferry, granary ruins, Ferry) and #34 (Goodhearts). Margarrell, 3. Vicky McLaine. Great Lower and Upper Masons Islands in #24 Dam #3. 62.27 to Dargans Bend Falls Tavern, a lovely natural level the river. Recreation Area. 64.89 with cliffs. #16 Woods Lock. 39.37 to Monocacy I. Karen Gray, 2. Ron Howard. Dam #3, #8 Swains Lock. 16.64 to Pennyfield Lock. Aqueduct, 42.19 Lock #35 and #36, dry dock. 19.63 I. C.H. and Chris Breedlove, 2. Barbara #25 Dargan Bend Recreation Area, 64.89 to I. Wayne and Chris Cerniglia, 2. Paul and Shapiro and John Toohey. Lock #26 Lock 37. 66.96 Maggie Davis, 3. Edwin Martin. Lock (Woods) and #27 (Spinks Ferry). I. Norm Cook, 2. Don and Carol Juran. #21 (Swains), beautiful cliffs and river # 17 Monocacy Aqueduct, 42.19 to No lands Lime kiln ruins, woodland stretch views. Ferry. 44.58 where canal cuts across part of the #9 Pennyfield Lock. 19.63 to Seneca I. Alan and Win Fox, 2. Cheryl Hoover, 3. bend. Aqueduct. 22.82 Bob and Terry Ledley, 4. Richard #26 Lock 37. 66.96 to Antietam Aqueduct I. Jeff Brown, 2. Barbara Newland, 3. Mike Stoll. Monocacy Aqueduct (#2), #4. 69.36 Schuchat. Lock #22 (Pennyfield) and former Native American archaeological I. Rick Clement, 2. Bob and Joan Fisher, 3. #23 (Violettes), Inlet Lock #2 and sites. Thad Hecht. Lock #37(Mountain) Feeder Dam #2.

Along the Towpath 3 LEVEL WALKERS - continued #39- continued #53 Fifteenmile Creek Aqueduct. 140.90 to I. Paul Kimble. High Rock quarry, Lock 59. 146.56 water gate and O'Brien's Basin , Millers Bend with Nestles quarry on I. Steven Hill, 2. Gary Petrichick, 3. John Antietam Village. opposite side. and Valerie Wheeler. Fifteenmile #27 Antietam Aqueduct. 69.36 to Lock 38. #40 Old Nessie Bridge. 104.98 to Dam #5. Creek Aqueduct (#9), Lock #58. 72.80 106.80 #54 Lock 59. 146.56 to Lock 60. 149.69 I. Philip Adams, 2. Ruth Conard, 3. Ralph I. Bill Hibbard. Miller's house for one of I. John and Valerie Wheeler. Lock #59, Harley, 4. Judy and Randy Peterson the Charles Mills. Green Ridge State Forest and former with Carol and Jim Branscome, 5. #41 Darn #5. I 06.80 to Four Locks. I 08.74 Mertens Orchard Co. would-be Harry Robinson, 6. Ken Rollins. I. B.K. Lunde. Darn #5 and Inlet Lock #5, development area. Antietam Aqueduct (#4), site of Locks #45 and #46 (Two Locks area), #55 Lock 60. 149.59 to Culvert 208. 151.18 Packhorse Ford, Shepherdstown River Lock #47 (Four Locks). I. Norm Cook, 2. William Price. Lock #60, Lock. #42 Four Locks. 108.74 to McCoys Ferrv. remote area. #28 Lock 38. 72.80 to Lock 39. 74.00 110.42 #56Culvert208.151.18toLock61. 153.10 I. Sonny DeForge, 2. John Frye. Lock #38 I. Katrina Hedlesky, 2. John Ziegler. Four I. Pat White. Stickpile RR Tunnel, waste (Shepherdstown), Ferry Hill Locks area Lock #48, #49, #50 (Four weir for "Four Mile Level." Plantation, Lock #39. Locks); a stop gate. #57Lock61.153.10toLock631/3. 154.48 #29 Lock 39. 74.00 to Snyders Landing. #43 McCoys Ferry. 110.42 to Fort I. Bill Burton and Barbara Sheridan, 2. Ken 76.65 Frederick. 112.40 and Marcie Campbell. Lock #61, I. Marshall Grotenhuis, 2. Jack Margarrell, I. Karen Gray, 2. Teresa Harshman. proposed location for Darn #7 (never 3. Anne Wright. Lock #39, McCoys Ferry site, historic culverts, built), Lock #62. Killiansburg Cave, impressive cliffs. woodland section of canal, stop gate. #58 Lock 63 I /3. 154.48 to Tunnel Parking #30 Snyders Landing. 76.65 to Lock 40. #44 Ft.Frederick. 112.40 to Ernstville. Area. 156.24 79.41 114.52 I. Bill Burton and Barbara Sheridan, 2. I. Donald Bodmer, 2. Harry Cramer. Site 1. John Bowman, 2. Jane and Hal Larsen, 3. Alan and Kit Franklin, 3. Judie and of Snyder coal and grain warehouse. Pete and Thelma Peterson. Ft. Fred Mopsik, 4. Pat White. Locks #63 Remote area. Frederick and state park, Big Pool 1/3, #64 2/3, #66, Deep Cut and Paw #31 Lock 40. 79.41 to Middlekauffs Basin. (1.44 mi. "lake" used by canal). Paw Tunnel. 81.62 #45 Ernstville. 114.52 to Licking Creek #59 Tunnel Parking area. 156.24 to Mouth I. Harry Cramer, 2. Deborah and Barry Aqueduct. 116.04 of Little Cacapon. 159.60 Kistler, 3. Nick and Peggy Webber. I. Blair and Nancy Bower, 2. Joe I. John Chandler, 2. Robert Stevenson. Old Lock #40, Mercerville. Kochenderfer, 3. Ron Wilson. Site of Main Road to former Paw Paw Ferry, #32 Middlekauf's Basin. 81.62 to Dam #4. former village of Ernstville. Purslane Run road culvert. 84.40 #46 Licking Creek Aqueduct. 116.04 to. #60 Mouth of Little Cacapon. 159.60 to I. Bejay Myers, 2. Bill Wentzel. Little Pool. 119.84 Town Creek Aqueduct. 162.34 Middlekauf's Basin, Darn #4 Cave. I. Gerry Bunker, 2. John Popenoe. Licking I. Keith Kridenoff. Mouth of Little #33 Dam #4. 84.40 to Charles/McMahon's Creek Aqueduct (#6), site of former Cacapon on WV side, Lock #67. Mill. 88.10 village of Millville, stop gate. #61 Town Creek Aqueduct. 162.34 to Lock I. Paul and Rita Marth, 2. Bill Rosencroft. #47 Little Pool. 119.84 to Hancock. 124.10 68. 164.82 Darn #4, inlet lock #4, Big Slackwater I. Olivia Casasnovas, 2. Mark Pod via. Little I. Charles and Mary Ayeres. Town Creek detour. Pool, Lock #51, #52, Tonoloway Aqueduct(# I 0), beginning of series of #34 Charles/McMahon's Mi II. 88.10 to Creek Aqueduct (#7). fishing pools in canal prism. Foremans Ferrv. 90.94 #48 Hancock. 124.10 to Round Top Cement #62 Lock 68. 164.82 to Lock 70. 166.70 I. Earl Lowery, 2. Tom and Linda Perry. Mill. 127.40 1. Len Skoglund. Lock #68 opposite the McMahons (Charles) Mill, Lock #41 I. Stephen Greiner, 2. Bill Hibbard, 3. Fred mouth of the South Fork of the and #42. Seitz. Hancock and re-watered area of Potomac on the WV side, first site of #35 Foremans Ferrv. 90.94 to Lock 43. canal, Little Tonoloway Culvert, steam pumps replacing unbuilt Dam 92.96 Devil's Eyebrow. #7, Lock #69 (Twiggs). 1. Dave and Aubrey Engstrom, 2. Ruth and #49 Round Top Cement Mill. 127.40 to #63 Lock 70. 166.70 to Kelly's Road Swan Baxter. Site ofForemans Ferry, Lock 53. 129.96 Culvert. 170.84 cliff, Dellingers Cave. 1. Bill and Sue McAllister. Round Top I. Dave and Laurel Nicol, 2. Jim Preston. #36 Lock 43. 92.96 to Falling Waters. 94.44 Cement Mill and Roundtop Hill. Locks #70, #71 (Oldtown), Alum Hill I. Harry and Phyllis Davis. Lock #43, #50 Lock 53. 129.96 to Darn #6. 134.06 deep cut. Potomac Fish and Game Club. I. Janice Plotczyk. Lock #53, mouth of #64 Kelly's Road Culvert. 170.84 to Spring #37 Falling Waters. 94.44 to Lock 44. 99.30 Cacapon River on WV side, Lock #54. Gap Recreation Area. 173.37 I. Ellen Holway. Site of significant #51 Dam 6. 134.06 to Sideling Hill Creek I. Nell Hennessy, 2. Mary Ann Moen, 3. Confederate retreat after Gettysburg, Aqueduct. 136.56 Jim Preston. Long masonry spillway, Cumberland Valley RR remains. I. Aubrey Pearre, 2. John Popenoe. Darn former "Basin at Alkyre's House." #38 Lock 44. 99.30 to High Rock Ouarrv. #6, Guard Lock #6, Lock #55, #56 #65 102.26 (Pearre/Sideling). Spring Gap Recreation Area. 173.37 to I. Dave Brown. Lock #44 (Williamsport), #52 Sideling Hill Creek Aqueduct. 136.56 Lock 74 (North Branch). 175.47 historic bridges, Cushwa's basin, to Fifteenmile Creek Aqueduct. 140.90 I. Dward and Jeanine Moore, 2. Jim Conococheague Aqueduct (#5). I . Craig Zane and Ginny Garretson. Preston. 2nd and final location of steam #39 High Rock Ouarrv. I 02.26 to Old Sideling Hill Creek Aqueduct (#8), RR pumps replacing unbuilt Dam #7, Lock Nessie Bridge. 104.98 Indigo Tunnel, Lock #57, Little #72 and the Narrows area, #73 (North Orleans. Branch).

4 Along the Towpath LEVEL WALKERS - continued #67 - continued I. Jim Preston. Sites of former Mexico Tract #69 Wiley Ford Bridge 182.64 to Western #66 Lock 74 (North Branch). 175.47 to and Kirkendall Ferries, historic former Maryland StationNisitors Center. Mexico Farms Road. 177.69 road culvert. Cumberland, 184.50 I. Jim Preston. Lock #74 and #75 (North #68 Evitts Creek Aqueduct. 180.66 to I. Wayne Hargy, 2. Martin Heavner. Branch locks), former canal basin. Wiley Ford Bridge. 182.62 Riverside walk, Cumberland terminus #67 Mexico Farms Road, 177.69 to Evitts I. Wayne Hargy. Evitts Creek Aqueduct site. Creek Aqueduct. 180.66 (#II), Can doc area.

On the Level by Karen Gray, Level Walker Chair

LEVEL WALKER MEMBERSHIP CHANGES: Edith Wilkerson, a Level Walker for more than a quarter century, submitted her resignation. Our thanks to Edith for all those years of walking Level #32 and her dedication to the canal. • This is an opportunity also for me to ask those who no longer can be or wish to be Level Walkers to formerly resign. Don't just fade away-let us recognize your past participation in the program! Also, this will also help the Level Walker chair know what levels most need support. For those who procrastinate: In July those Level Walkers who have not paid their 1999 dues will be removed from the program so if you haven't renewed, please do so promptly. We welcome new Level Walkers:

Phil Adams, #27 Norm Cook, #25 & #55 Judy and Randy Peterson and Carol & John Barnett, #1 and #21 Eric Dutrow, #18 Jim Branscome; #27 Barry Beals, # 14 Teresa Harshman, #43 Pete and Thelma Peterson, #44 Douglas Bork, #I Alan and Rebecca Hedin, #7 Bill Quinn, #2 John Bowman, #44 Jim and Jan Heins, #6 Robert Stevenson, #59 Bill Burton and Barbara Sheridan, #57 Earl Lowery, #34 Becky Taylor and Girl Scout Troop Olivia Casasnovas, #47 Jack Magarrell, #7 #1625,#21 Ruth Conard, #27 Vicky McLaine, #7 Rich Wagner, #12 Ron Milburg, #21 George Wyeth, #23

FORMAT FOR LEVEL WALKER REPORTS • It isn't necessary to use the standard form, but if you like it and need more copies, let me know and I'll mail some. Ifyou don't use form, DO INCLUDE ALL THE INFORMATION CLEARLY CATEGORIZED as below: l.LEVEL #and the MILEAGES from and to based on Tom Hahn's Towpath Guide. If you don't know these, let me know and I' 11 tell you. 2.Your NAME, ADDRESS and PHONE; and the name of anyone who walked with you that you want included. 3.The DATE, TIME and WEATHER. 4.GARBAGE comments. How much did you pick up or see but not retrieve; and was there was anything unusual about it? 5.HUMAN USAGE and VEHICLES in official or informal adjacent parking areas. How many hikers, bikers, etc.? What states were represented by the vehicles and were there boat carriers present, recreational vehicles, vans or just cars, etc. 6.CONDITIONS of the towpath, prism and structures, especially changes from your previous walk. ?.FLORA and FAUNA. You need not be a naturalist. Just general comments on plants and animals you see along the way whether you can fully identify them or not. 8.0THER COMMENTS concerning anything that didn't get covered in the above categories. Reports received before each newsletter's deadline will be included in each ON THE LEVEL column. • You no longer need to mail2 copies. I'll make the necessary additional copy as I do for those who submit their report by e-mail.

DISPOSING OF YOUR GARBAGE: Now that the park is "Trash Free," Level Walkers may have difficulty disposing of their bags of litter. If you don't have anywhere to legally dispose of these, leave them at an access point on the canal if possible and notify Nancy Brown, the Park Service Volunteer Coordinator, as soon as possible. Nancy will then alert maintenance to pick them up. Nancy's phone is 301-739-4200 and her e-mail address is: [email protected]

REPORTS RECEIVED AND DEADLINE FOR THE NEXT ISSUE: Below are selected highlights from the reports I have received since taking over the Level Walker Program. If you sent a report that should have reached me prior to the May deadline for this issue of the newsletter, and it isn't included below, please let me know.

Along the Towpath 5 On the Level- continued

Neither I, electronic mail, or the US Postal Service are perfect. Also I'll be away for 2 weeks this summer and 1 week in September so if you don't get prompt acknowledgments of your reports, that may be the reason. Note: The deadline for reports that will be included in the next issue, is Aug. 10.

GENERAL COMMENTS: Many level walkers reported on the profusion of wildflowers and blooming plants, of course. The appearance of turtles, snakes, does and fawns were among the other common signs of the season. Picking up the Level Walker Program after several years, I am impressed at the number of walkers reporting their levels remarkably free of serious litter and the towpath in good condition. My initial impression is that there is significant improvement in both regards since the early 90s.

As of May 10, 37 reports had been submitted covering 29 of the 69levels.

#I Tidelock to the Incline Plane site # 15 - continued #34 - continued John Barnett ( 4/21 ): This level is now troop, biker, 3 hikers, and a fisherman. On Big Slackwater. Met 8 spelunkers in their watered. Milepost #I appeared to be the April walk when they were assisted by gear contemplating a cave entrance with missing. Helen Johnston and Barbara "an opening which in my judgment could #7 Great Falls Tavern to Swains Lock Thornberg, they encountered 86 bikers accommodate a raccoon." Towpath still Jack Magarrell ( 4/20) School bus of kids and 9 teenage backpackers with 2 adults. under water below mill on 4/13. boarding the canal boat and Swains area Trash was being left at the old location of #38 Lock 44 (Williamsport) to High Rock very clean. the trash can. Q.!!ill:ry Alan and Becky Hedin (4/24): Most of # 18 Nowlands Ferry to Point of Rocks Dave Brown (4/25): Sighted an eagle near the litter collected was off the towpath in John Hawley (311 9) reported trail repair Jordan Junction and reported that the vicinity of the Rockville Water at Milepost 45, two groups of school reconstruction of Lock 44 is complete. Treatment Plant. Human usage on walk children-about 24 in all. Garbage was #40 Old Nessie Bridge to Dam 5 downstream included 17 bikers, 7 joggers, mostly in the parking areas. Bill Hibbard (3/7, 3/23): On 3/7 the new 26 walkers, 9 birders, 4 people fishing and #20 Catoctin Aqueduct to Brunswick concrete towpath section was completed I dog. Thad Hecht ( 4/4) reported one group of 8 and wood railing was partially installed, #8 Swains Lock to Pennyfield Lock bikers, another of 6. Trees were cut down new bridge across the lock completed. On Paul and Maggie Davis (1/26, 2/11, 3/29 at the east end of the park at Brunswick. 3/23 new towpath and bridges open and and 4/20): Picked up 1.5 to 2 plastic Removed many branches from the gras areas being seeded. shopping bags full of litter on each walk. towpath. #41 Dam 5 to Four Locks Many limbs and down trees in the canal #24 Dam 3 to Dargan Bend B.K. Lunde (3/7): Canal had water prism. Those that had fallen across the Karen Gray (3/6): Probably due to flowing over the towpath at Two Locks towpath had been removed by Park continuous rain, met no one on the and there were patches of snow in places. Service staff. Water level up to normal towpath and the parking area was empty. #42 Four Locks to McCoys Ferrv and a man was photographing a large gray Saw more Eastern blue birds than I've John Ziegler (3/30): Worst trash in the owl above the towpath on 3/29. One of 2 ever seen at one time in my life. unofficial parking areas on the berm side new benches installed (bolted to concrete #25 Dargan Bend to Lock 37 (Antietam) at McCoys Ferry. Lots of signs of horses. base) overlooking Pennyfield Lock is a Don Juran (4/27): Towpath in best #43 McCoys Ferry to Fort Frederick memorial to Alan Mills, age 57. condition ever. Fair amount of litter at Bob and Teresa Harshman ( 4/18, 5/2): #9 Pennyfield Lock to Seneca Aqueduct boat ramp but not along the level. Large sink hole in prism about .I 0 mile Michael Schuchat (4/29): The white #29 Lock 39 to Snyders Landing below Ft. Frederick. On 5/2 of about 20 house off the towpath at Seneca has a new Jack Magarrell (4/24): On a scheduled bikers only one had a bell and none paint job and new roof. Also commented work trip with Russell Wingerd from the (including adult scout leaders) gave on new benches at Pennyfield. Park Service staff, and Barry Beals. warning that they were passing. Met four #I 0 Seneca Aqueduct to Milepost 25 Campers at the hiker-biker and a group mushroom hunters. Val and John Wheeler (3/7): Evidence of accompanied by llamas packing a picnic #45 Ernsville to Licking Creek Aqueduct recent maintenance on this level and very were headed for lock 39. Joe Kochenderfer (3/8): Holes in prism at little garbage. #31 Lock 40 to Marsh Run Culvert 2 culverts. Sign still missing from Licking # 14 Opposite Balls Bluff at 33.27 to Debbie and Paul Kistler ( 4/17): Less Creek Aqueduct. Whites Ferrv garbage than usual, 16 bikers and 3 #47 Little Pool to Hancock Barry Beals (4/27): Gathered 4 bags of campers at the hiker-biker among those Olivia Casasnovas (3/20, during a multi­ garbage, mostly washed down and caught encountered. day bike ride from Cumberland to in log jams. Commented that a wheel #32 Marsh Run Culvert to Dam 4 Williamsport): Graffiti on Milepost 124 barrow would have helped to haul out the Bill Wentzel (3/6): Didn't meet anyone and what appeared to be a recently fallen trash. [Not a bad idea!] Heard the screech but cleared level of tree debris. Very little tree at Lock 51 . of owls but didn't see them. trash. Sighted a kingfisher. #48 Hancock to Round Top Cement Mill #15 Whites Ferrv to Woods Lock #34 Charles (McMahons) Mill to Formans Bill Hibbard (3/18): Much windfall Richard and Andrea Tibbets (1117, fury debris. 4/18): Snow and ice covered towpath in Tom Perry (3/20, 4/13): On 3/20 water January but met a family of 4 backpacking too high to go very far but much debris to along the canal as well as a Cub Scout clean around the mill and at the start of

6 Along the Towpath On the Level- continued #59 Paw Paw parking area to Little #66 Lock 74 (North Branch) to Mexico #49 Round Top Cement Mill to Cacapon Cacapon Junction Farms Junction Robert and Martha Stevenson ( 4/20): Jim Preston (4/ 10): Most of the garbage Bill and Sue McAllister (4/3): Picked up Greeted thru-hikers with mini-muffins for collected at access point at mile 176 12 supermarket bags of garbage. Fresh all. Sighted beaver in root ball of consisting of beer bottles and cans beaver activity around 129.3, several uprooted tree. On May 22 celebrates 23rd discarded from road paralleling the swarms of flying insects. Noticed cave anniversary since first walking this level. towpath. Two volunteers were busy with metal cover at about mile 128.5 and #63 Lock 71 (Oldtown) to Kellys Road cleaning Lock 75 1ockhouse. Canal boat car door twisted around a fallen tree on Culvert replica being re-painted. Old cemetery in berm at about 128.3. Jim Preston ( 4/ 14): Most of the litter field near mile 176.51 has some legible #51 Dam 5 to Sideling Hill Creek came from the low vegetation along the names and mid-19th century dates. Aqueduct towpath. 6 fishermen at recently stocked #67 Mexico Farms to Evitts Creek Aubrey Pearre (3/26): Access road to Oldtown watered section. Aqueduct Lock 56 in need of repair and lockhouse Jim Preston (4/10): Signs of recent needs painting. Tire in prism at one point. removal of dead trees. East of mile 178, historic oak tree marker and bench installed by National Park Service.

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

This issue's President's Message is Tom's presentation at the Channel Inn on the evening of the last day of the hike, May l, 1999.

At the Conclusion oftlte Through Hike 1999

Our hike began a long time ago and it really doesn't end today. Many of you have labored to enable us to meet the challenge of these two weeks, and we each in our own way have prepared ourselves. We were sent off with words of encouragement and we were accompanied by senior hikers who had been down that trail already. Along the way we have seen wonderful displays of flora and fauna, have been fabulously supported by our own crews and the personnel of the Park staff. Adversity was given us in the first week to toughen us up; Heaven smiled upon us throughout the second week of our trek by sending unending sunshine. Members of the Association, friends, and members of the press met us every day to chat and to carry report to the outside world. We hope that all of them will be moved to support our cause and join us on the towpath. We have paid a price for this endeavor: our bodies are beginning to speak to us about what we have subjected them to and we have begun to understand why, of all who began the trip with Justice Douglas, only nine became "immortal". Nothing of our bodies works like it used to, but we have given consolation to each other in our common misery. In fact, we have drawn closer to one another during these days, as we shared stories which reveal the various commitments of our lives. On the road and around the campfire we have experienced genuine community. And so it is with a sense of sadness as well as of accomplishment that our hike has now ended. Honored guests and our families - We thank you for coming here to celebrate with us, and we challenge you to recognize that what began in 1954 is not history but an ongoing mission beckoning us to the future in this Park we all love.

--Tom Perry

The Old River Rat, President Tom Perry, on the Through Hike

Along the Towpath 7 campfire songs, with June Bergman again leading on guitar. DOUGLAS MEMORIAL HIKE JOURNAL, 1999 There was also a lengthy bout of joke recitation. (Copyright 1999, Donald R. Juran) Monday, April19 Saturday, April 17 The weather improved somewhat, a bit warmer and less About fifty hikers assembled at Great Falls to board the bus to windy. There were even glimpses of sunshine. Nona Rowat Cumberland. Right away we noticed differences from I 994. walked over six miles on crutches, leaving little pushing for Instead of the assumption being made that we were all present, Ruby and me to do. Barbara Sheridan was checking us off briskly and efficiently as we arrived. Our conveyance appeared more energetic than We enjoyed the other-worldly view of the shale cliffs and of the forlorn school bus of five years ago. A benefit walk for the beaver lodge topped with a beautiful stand of daffodils. MS was assembling at the same time as we were, so parking was scarce. Indeed, the bus proceeded smartly and, even with Rumor had it that Ruby had skinny-dipped in the pond a mile a fast food stop near Hagerstown, reached Cumberland at upriver from Oldtown. I had to confess that I was a witness - I :30, having climbed Sideling Hill effortlessly compared with but an earwitness, not an eyewitness. Ruby reacted sharply to the wheezing ascent of I 994. Lou Odom arrived soon the frigid water, exclaiming vigorously in French and English. afterward with the duffel van. We settled in, grateful to be Dot Geary came along at the perfect moment to confirm that I close to the starting point instead of miles away in La Vale. kept my eyes averted discreetly.

We gathered again at 6 PM for Happy Hour and dinner, a As we arrived at Town Creek the weather turned briefly varied and hearty buffet to fortify us for the journey ahead. beautiful. We enjoyed another tasty one-pot repast, this one of Tom Perry introduced all the dignitaries and presented a chicken chowder. Our first departures occurred, as Nona, her tribute of thanks to former Association President and outgoing brother Jay and Ruby completed their two days, and Estelle Board member Hal Larsen. Park Superintendent Doug Faris Laughlin's leg problem forced her and Chuck to retire. acknowledged our contribution to the Park and showed two videos, one of the original I 954 hike and one marking the Again there were songs and jokes around the campfire. The 80th anniversary of the National Park Service. Cathy Douglas singing maintained its high quality; the jokes were another Stone shared some memories of how important were the Canal matter. The lovely weather gave way to heavy rain showers and its towpath in Justice Douglas's life. during the night.

Sunday, April 18 With our gear (but not our spirits) thoroughly dampened, we assembled breakfast and lunch in the rain and broke camp. Fresh from what would be their last showers for six days, the Luckily the rain stopped around departure time. Brightened by group enjoyed a buffet breakfast. Mayor Athey of the downpour, the abundant Virginia bluebells were especially Cumberland made the rounds and passed out ball point pens, lovely in the misty woods. one of which I am using to write this. Lou Odom's bike pump saved the day for Nona Rowat, inflating the two sagging front We were greeted by Level Walkers Robert and Martha tires of her wheelchair. The hikers took the short walk to the Stephenson, who treated us to muffins, and by Paw Paw Canal terminus, where Cathy Douglas Stone spoke briefly, Ladies Georginia Casto, Freda Gross, Ester Cowgill, Sonia aware of our eagerness to begin, and bagpiper John Grant Jordan, and Julie Kidwell, who proffered milk and power bars heralded the official commencement. near the upstream tunnel entrance.

Hiking weather was pretty good, chilly and cloudy with but an The tunnel was chillier than expected. Also chilling was the occasional sprinkle. Ruby Rowat propelled Nona's wheelchair sight of a huge rectangular boulder alongside the towpath at at an alarming clip as I struggled to keep pace. Birds and the downriver entrance. This rock had not been there in 1994, spring flowers were in abundance, and the Park remained as and we were glad not to have been around when it fell. beautiful as I remembered from 1994. I pushed the wheelchair for less than a mile, and Nona walked on her Toward afternoon it began drizzling as we neared Stickpile crutches for the last 2 Y:. miles. Hill, but again the weather cleared long enough to dry tents and other gear. Stickpile was a small HBO, and tent space We found Spring Gap superior to Irons Mountain HBO for was at a premium. "Bru" Brubaker hesitated over a spot camping - bigger, two miles further downriver, and without covered with bluebells. I encouraged him not to worry about the deafening noise of the freights and the reek from the squashing them, as they were so numerous, Gary Petrichick soybean rendering plant. We endured a more substantial rain concurred: "Don, if it were the other way around, the bluebells shower, which waited politely until the dining tarp was up. would have no qualms about crushing you." Dinner was a one-pot meal of hearty lentil stew with kielbasa. Win Jacques marked himself as a neophyte by asking what we A beagle had been tagging along with us since Oldtown, did with the leftovers. For dessert we munched cookies making itself more and more at home, even spending Monday brought by Mary Ann Moen. We resumed our tradition of

8 Along the Towpath HIKE JOURNAL, 1999- continued Thursday, April 22

continued night in Nancy Hartman's tent. The pooch wore out We awoke to the irresistible aroma of French toast and its welcome suddenly when it proved itself, to Win Jacques's sausage, orchestrated by Judy Mopsik. The campsite was discomfiture, not tentbroken. Finally, the park rangers muddy but not engulfed. removed the naughty canine, to a big round of applause. Gary Petrichick pointed out two trees grown so close together The dog episode was immortalized by a parody of "Doggie in as to be fused; we considered whether to call the amalgam a the Window, written by Nancy Wartman and June Bergman: mapamore or a sycaple. The towpath was muddy and puddly but navigable. The thick morning mist gave way to hazy Oh, where is that doggie in the campsite, sunshine and humid warmth. Park The one with the sad soulful eyes Oh, where is that doggie in the campsite, Rangers Hofe and Apple walked the trail with us. The Paw I do think that doggie's not so wise. raw Ladies, A.K.A. the Towpath Angels, distributed goodies and milk at Cohil Station. Bill Hibbard had posted a note on "I wonder whose lap I can go sit on, the board at Round Top Cement Mill, where his level begins, I sure think this campfire is neat. sternly abjuring us to avoid littering or face decapitation. I must find a tent that I can sleep in - I promise to warm up their feet." The camping venue in Hancock was changed to Widmeier Town Park instead of muddy Little Tonoloway. This bumped "I must take a journey down to Stickpile the day's mileage over 10. On the way to Widmeier we passed Where all of the campers are nice. a bank thermometer reading 78 - thirty degrees more than They don't know that when I get all stressed out, yesterday. It would rise to 87 later. I do have an interesting vice." Oh, where is that doggie in the campsite? Many of us availed ourselves of the laundromat. I made the She's holed up in somebody's tent. mistake of sharing a load with Gary Petrichick who, as he She's starting to feel a little stressed out - drew the wet wash from the machine, uttered those four Oh-oh, there she goes - there she went! dreaded words: "Oh, there's that pen." Ralph Donnelly came by the pavilion at Widmeier. He was informed about Ruby's How much is that doggie in the campsite? brief swim and was bitterly disappointed to hear that she had We can't seem to give her away. left the group; he was hoping for an encore. She better not follow us to Bill's Place, Or Win Jacques will say "Go make my day." Dinner at Weaver's was sumptuous as expected, with those heavenly, huge slabs of pie. The waitress came around to offer Oh, where is that doggie in the campsite? a choice of hot beverages. Judy Mopsik innocently requested The Ranger's put her in his truck. herbal tea. The waitress replied, "Honey, you're in Hancock." They're taking her back to her owner, Or straight to the nearest lockup. Tom Perry introduced C&O Advisory Board member Terry Hepburn and Ralph and Adele Donnelly, and we sang a 78th Wednesday, April21 Happy Birthday to Gene Bergman.

Upon arising we were disappointed that the lovely starry We took advantage of the pay phones and other amenities of night, cold as it was, had given way to thick overcast. We civilization and returned to Widmeier, where some pitched started off, hopeful of better weather, considering that we had tents on the grass, others spread sleeping bags on, or under, 15.8 miles to do. But once again, it began to rain, lightly but picnic tables. steadily, in the late morning. Many hikers waited it out at Bill's Place in Little Orleans. Several jumped at the chance to Conversation at the pavilion centered on the dire weather ride to Hancock instead of camping at Cacapon Junction. Paul forecast. Tom Perry reached Chief Ranger Martin Gallery by "Bigfoot" Tourigny and Jack Stickles even walked to cell phone and arranged for shelter for us should the Hancock, for a total mileage of25.3 for the day. impending storms prove severe.

Dinner, once again from Donna Boies's incomparable recipes Friday, April23 of 1994, refreshed us. There was no singing this evening, and the campfire conversation turned to politics. Not much The morning sky was overcast, but it was not raining. Hopeful improvement over the jokes. About 1 I PM we were raked by of dry hiking, we returned to Weaver's for a hearty breakfast. a vigorous thunderstorm. However, very little soaking of gear By the time we fmished it had already started drizzling. The resulted. rain intensified, and it was slow going. The day's mileage, 15.5, was lengthened by the constant lane changes needed to avoid the puddles and muddy spots. Today those of us spoiled

Along the Towpath 9 Hikers Arrive at Camp HIKE JOURNAL, 1999- continued luxuries of hot showers, soft beds, and railings for drying wet clothing. by 1994's rainless hike learned to appreciate the bluestone, the big chunky gravel that makes the towpath rough and uneven in We congregated at the American Legion post for the mid-hike dry weather, but anchors and helps drain the towpath and banquet. We enjoyed a fried chicken dinner and a fascinating makes footing surer and safer during the rain. Early in the account by Jo Reynolds of her solo Appalachian Trail afternoon there were thunder and lightning to add an element through-hike. We returned to Days Inn for a long, deep sleep. of danger. After one huge thunderclap I saw a sextet of deer dash riverward across the towpath. Sunday, Apri125

The Ranger staff had set up the old one-room schoolhouse We awoke to another frosty but beautiful morning. At above Four Locks as our headquarters. Wet, weary hikers breakfast we said good-bye to the departing first-weekers and trooped in, shed sodden clothes and refreshed themselves at the welcomed the second-weekers. A number of one-day hikers snack table. Ranger Hofe drove back up the towpath to offer joined us. the latecomers a ride; none accepted. Chili was the entree for dinner and, accompanied by spiced peaches, fit the chilly, The day warmed up, and the hiking was superb. We passed damp weather perfectly. Chief Ranger Martin Gallery and his Mile 92.25, the halfway point, and waited at McMahon's Mill, wife, Cheryl, came by to offer us her superb banana and where we had to detour around the I 1/2 miles of towpath at pumpkin breads; nor did anyone decline. Big Slackwater, already perilous in 1994, now obliterated by the 1996 floods. Many of the group bunked down in the schoolhouse, while other doughty folk pitched tents. Rangers took six of us to We were shuttled to Jacob Berkson's property. Mr. Berkson Lockhouse 49, which turned out to be warm and spacious; the has been gracious to allow use of his land by hikers and bikers mice we had been warned about were nowhere in evidence. detouring Big Slackwater. He escorted us to the logging road and shared with us his hiking adventures with Justice Douglas. Throughout all these tribulations the group spirit never Rangers Spinnrad and Gallery led us on an up-and-down route wavered, but indeed intensified. through the woods, part logging road, part bushwhacking. There were a few stumbles and tumbles but no major hurts. To Saturday, April 24 some it was a welcome change from flat hiking.

This was what we'd been waiting for. The stationary front Along the way we passed Park Superintendent Doug Faris and departed, followed by a tableau of nearly cloudless, brilliant his wife, Jean. At last we rejoined the towpath and hiked the blue sky, no more than 45 degrees- perfect hiking weather. remaining two miles to Dam 4 and the Western Maryland Sportsman's Club. Many availed themselves of the $1 beers. The towpath dried quickly, and there was an extra spring in Those who elected not to pitch tents spread mats and sleeping everyone's step. The short (9.1 miles) trek to Williamsport flew bags downstairs. by. The spring wildflowers practically gleamed in the sunshine. Dinner was once again fried chicken. Some of us partook of Several C&Oers, including Jane Larsen, Lyman Stucker and the diversions of shuffleboard and pool (or other bar pastimes) Midge Heimer greeted us at Cushwa Basin. Kathy Duex and before retiring. LindaPerry shuttled hikers to Days Inn. We all reveled in the

10 Along the Towpath HIKE JOURNAL, 1999- continued Thursday, April 29

Monday, Apri126 The clear, cold morning presaged yet another fine hiking day, the last of our 15-milers. The wildflowers remained beautiful, The Western Maryland Sportsman's Club served up a hearty and the warm sun brought out many turtles onto logs in the breakfast, and we stoked up for the second of three consecutive canal. Many of the group stopped at Whites Ferry to see the days over 15 miles. It was another sunny day, and the ferry itself and to purchase yet another ice cream. temperature climbed into the 70s. Already the memory, only three days old, of the chilling, soaking rain was fading. We arrived at Sycamore Landing and were shuttled to the Izaak Walton League clubhouse near Poolesville. The weather At Taylor's Landing many of us were privileged to see a huge had turned chilly, but the gnats swarmed anyhow, and we barred owl high in a tree. relished the opportunity to go inside the clubhouse and, drink in hand, sink into the comfy chairs. Had we become so soft so We passed by the Conococheague Rod and Gun Club, where quickly? we had enjoyed staying in 1994, but were just as glad not to have to climb the hill. Antietam, a new campsite for many, The catered dinner featured beef and real baked potatoes. turned out very good, with lots of flat tent sites and a good Those electing not to pitch tents camped under the view of the river. The sunset bathed the mountain to the east in overhanging porch surrounding the building. a beautiful rose-colored glow. Friday, April30 After a jambalaya dinner we resumed our singing for the first time in five days, and included poetry recitation. We said farewell to Anita De France, who decided to do the last 27.2 miles in one day in order to host her granddaughter's Tuesday, April27 first Communion. This feat exceeded the 25-miler walked by Jack and Bigfoot from Stickpile to Hancock. My 22 miles It was yet another perfect day, sunny and cool. By this point the from Antietam to Point of Rocks on Tuesday, done in order to weather had just about balanced out. play four softball games, was puny by comparison.

Some of us explored Killiansburg Cave, while others crossed We were all glad, not least Anita, to have only 12.9 miles to the bridge to Harpers Ferry to score an ice cream. Brunswick do versus the 16.5 in 1994, when we left from Edwards Ferry. campground suited us well, with plenty of camping space and toilet and shower facilities. This stretch of the Canal was mostly watered and included some lovely views against a backdrop of rocky cliffs. It was a The group shoehorned into the U-Haul to 40 to dinner, guided good day for spotting large birds - eagles, a great blue heron by Pat White; however, Pat went through a yellow light, losing and three sets of Canada goslings. the U-Haul briefly. Eventually everyone settled down to spaghetti and garlic bread at First United Methodist Church. By this time the May apples had joined their flowering Some opted to walk back to camp rather than ride the U-Haul. companions. Once again, at Swains Lock, there was ice cream available. We pressed onward to Great Falls and Wednesday, April 28 civilization. Those of us from the area hosted the out-of-towners. We gathered at the home of Fred and Judy Good weather continued, as forecast rain did not materialize. Mopsik for a wonderful pot luck feast. Tom Perry was We passed by Point of Rocks and Nolands Ferry. Bluebells sufficiently impressed to suggest that we compile a C&O gave way to splendid lavender phlox. Canal Association cookbook.

We encamped by the Monocacy Aqueduct and were treated to Saturday, May 1 a gorgeous view of the sun setting behind that magnificent structure. We assembled for the final day at Great Falls at 8 AM, which by this point felt like a decadently late hour. The group Dinner featured grill-your-own steak - a choice of rib eye or compressed about the lock for photos. Fred Mopsik's foot New York strip, a treat for all but the most hardened speed was not equal to the speed of the camera timer, so he vegetarians. Dessert included freshly made peach and cherry had to enlist a day hiker to press the button. cobblers. There was to be a bagpiper, as on the first day, but by 8:30 no Afterwards Dave Humphrey showed his marvelous video of the piper had arrived, so we decided to bag the piper and begin. aqueduct. We were flattered to see that there was much introductory footage of the start of our hike in Cumberland, We were impressed with towpath conditions. Much good which by now seemed months ago. work has occurred since the 1996 floods. The towpath was level, smooth and hard. Many day hikers - significant others, children and friends- joined us for this last day, as the perfect

Along the Towpath II At the Monocacy Aqueduct. Photo by Carl Linden

HIKE JOURNAL, 1999- continued After one last shuttle ride back to Great Falls, we went home weather continued. My wife Carol joined me at Lock 5 for the to spruce up for the final banquet. At Channel Inn we enjoyed last five miles, and I declined to renew the competition of 1994 a buffet dinner and received our patches from Gary Petrichick for first hiker to finish. There was little interest in who would and accolades from Rep. Connie Morella, NPS Director be the first finisher. For the record, it was Lucy Blanton. Robert Stanton, C&O Canal Park Superintendent Doug Faris and other dignitaries. The bicycle traffic seemed much sparser than in 1994. Undoubtedly the_Capital Crescent Trail has drawn bikers from It was a bittersweet time, saying good-bye to those with whom the towpath. we had lived so closely for two weeks and, in many cases, might not see again for five years. Although it was a thrill to At last we reached Georgetown, turned right at Rock Creek, accomplish the through-hike, and we looked forward to passed Thompson's Boathouse and crossed the ditch to give healing our feet and other sundry body parts, there were Tidelock Milepost, this time, thankfully, not desecrated by indeed feelings of regret that it was over. pigeons, the traditional kiss.

Epilogue

For me, the 1999 hike was less about individual accomplishment than about being part of a community whose members supported each other in the face of adverse conditions. It was not only the hikers who comprised this community, but the support staff- Pat White, Molly Schuchat, Lou Odom, Mike Lewis, Ed Miller, Ken Rollins, and Bru Brubaker who handled food and logistics, the Rangers and other NPS staff who walked with us, set up facilities (and furnished goodies!) for us at Four Locks, and guided us through the woods that Jacob Berkson was kind enough to allow us to traverse, and the Level Walkers and the Paw Paw Ladies who encouraged us both with words and nourishment.

This sense of community was evident among all of us, all the time, and in the long run was more sustaining than Moleskin, Ibuprofen or even ice cream. As much as I enjoyed the hike for the Canal's natural beauty and history and for the sense of pride I derive from helping to preserve it and the sheer physicality of hiking nearly 200 miles in a fortnight, it was living within this wonderful community that made it most special.

I can't speak for anyone else, but I'm already counting the days until the through-hike in 2004- the golden anniversary of the original Douglas hike, at that.

--Don Juran

12 Along the Towpath MARCH FOR PARKS- WILLIAMSPORT DogsR Us Red Barron Furniture & Carpet Store Decisions, Decisions Byer's Self Service Market The C&O Canal March for Parks was held Sat., April 17 NAPA Auto Parts Rosemary's Florist with a 4 mile walk in Williamsport. The C&O Canal Hobart Kitchen Equipment Potomac Pushbikes Association co-sponsored the walk which had the purpose Williamsport Barber Shop Toys R Us of raising money to modify and improve the amphitheater at Martin's Food Store Giant Food Store Cushwa Basin. The new amphitheater will be used to Staples present evening slide presentations and as a host site for McDonald's, Bagel-Lesious and Green Springs Water Co. other programs. provided refreshments. Burch Printing Services provided the brochures. Linda Perry, Ranger Nancy Brown and Rita Bauman recruited Association members from Washington County to These volunteers directed traffic at Cushwa Basin, at the register the participants, guide them on the hike route (we towpath and at the turnaround point. wanted them to go the correct direction on the towpath and then tum around at the 2 mile mark to return: with a wrong start they could have walked to Dam 4 and wondered why nobody greeted them), and then serve refreshments when the participants completed the walk. Our sincere thanks to them and the following volunteers:

Dave Campbell Sandra Naugle Morris F Damuth Daniel H Davis Melanie Fouche Paul Kimble Earl K Lowery Susan, Ben & Jeff Mcintosh William D Hibbard, Jr Marge & John Ziegler Harry & Phyllis Davis Tom Perry

How many can you identify in this picture of the Registration Table? And finally a picture of the walkers. What a glorious day. Many walkers and volunteers plan to participate next year. There will be another March for Parks in Williamsport in April 2000. Please plan to join us.

Prizes were awarded to the top contributors at the completion of the walk. Our thanks to the following for cash donations:

Wolfs on the Square G. A. Miller Lumber Co., Inc. Garden State Tanning Certain Teed Altogether we raised over $1,300 towards the Redland Brick Inc - Cushwa Plant improvement of the amphitheater. Park Service support was provided by Martin Gallery, Donna Swauger, Debbie Conway These merchants merit your support whenever you are next and Nancy Brown. Photos are by Jeff Norton. When you see in Williamsport. Chairman, Linda Perry visited each these folks, why not shake their hand and give them a pat on the contributor and donor. Our thanks to the following for prize back? donations: -- Rita Bauman

Along the Towpath 13 NATURE NOTES- GREEN VIOLETS AND OTHER frogs made a constant musical hum all along Berma Road above SPRING MYSTERIES Widewater. By April the singing of frogs had stopped for another year, replaced by bird-song. Now bird-watchers were A green violet? Your eyes must be deceiving you. Violets tantalized by spring migrants as they dodged in and out among are blue, occasionally white, and sometimes have a branches of trees just starting to leaf out. combination of two deep blue petals above three pale lower petals. Again this year the song of the Baltimore oriole rings out conspicuously near Great Falls Tavern. And again bird­ But a green violet? A somewhat skeptical crowd followed watchers are tantalized as they search through newly green trees the long-time nature walk leader (also a Canal Association for the source of the song. member) as she led the group on a section of the Billy Goat Trail between the towpath and the river in the Carderock Joggers and bicyclists pass by unheeding as bird-watchers strain area. Here on a hillside above the river they found green to fmd an inconspicuous warbler dodging among high tree violets in bloom, growing in exactly the same place where branches. Airplanes occasionally fly overhead only briefly wildflower-seekers have been finding them in past years. drowning out bird song. And luckily for nature-watchers, there are often paths, to follow between the towpath and the river. To the skeptics, the flowers hardly looked like violets. A Mowing machine sometimes strip the borders of the towpath of quick check of Peterson's FIELD GUIDE TO natural plant growth. To a considerable degree, the woods on WILDFLOWERS confirmed that they are, indeed, hardly both sides of the towpath are left untouched. In time of flood, recognizable as violets. There is one important exception: the river may wash over the low land. To the nature-watcher, a club-like pistil in the center of the flower. This revisiting after a flood provides opportunity to find not only characteristics the violet family and is found in no other what is left, but what is new, brought in by the high water. family of flowers. Curiosity and delight mingle, as he makes a never-ending journey of discovery wherever he walks in the 184-mile strip of On an earlier spring day, a similar group waded kneed-deep C & 0 parkland. -- Helen Johnston through Virginia bluebells, crossed a small stream, MONTGOMERY COUNTY HISTORY TOUR DAY scrambled down some rocks and found a flower resembling blood-root but having a distinctive two-parted leaf. The leaf The Association will again participate in the Montgomery give the plant is common name-twinleaf. Its botanical County History Tour. Scheduled for Sunday, July 11th from name: Jeffersonia diphylla, recalls the fact that it blossoms 11:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. In its second year, this event will have near Thomas Jefferson's birthday, and that its leaf is almost 26 sites spread over the entire county. The participating completely divided at the top of its long stalk. organizations range from the Sons of Confederate Veterans in Poolesville, Save Our Seminary in Silver Spring, Sandy Spring On the same trip, some group members scrambled over Slave Museum, Friends of the Agricultural History Farm Park in rocks to the place where cactus grows. It was too early for Damascus, to the Chevy Chase Historical Society. The the cup-shaped yellow blossoms--that would wait until late Association's two sites are Rileys Lock/Seneca Aqueduct and the May--but it was reassuring to see the healthy, thick, thorny Monocacy Aqueduct. At Rileys Lock we will have an exhibit on leaves, in some places completely covering the rocks. the Association and will give tours of the lock/aqueduct. Nearby, Bejay Myers and the Girl Scouts at Rileys Lockhouse will give Perhaps the most striking of all the early spring wildflowers demonstrations of canal life. At Monocacy Aqueduct, there also is the showy orchis. When a group of us checked in early will be tours. The sponsors of this event, the Montgomery April, the flower buds were barely visible under thick County Historical Society, Inc., are heavily publicizing it via the leaves. By early May, however, the plants had burst into media and brochures and flyers are available throughout the full bloom with their purple and white flowers. Below the county. Raffles with prizes donated by the participating cluster of showy orchis, the hillside sloped steeply to a organizations will be held for those visiting the most sites. It small stream singing its merry way to the river. should be a fun and informative day.

Already by mid-May the first wild burst of early As always, this event will offer volunteer opportunities to our wildflowers had passed. Toothwort had shed its white petals members. Time volunteered can be for one hour or the entire and the Christmas fern was uncurling its new fronds. The period - whichever you prefer. Both are lovely sites with great green leaves of skunk cabbage hid the core of the plant deal of activity going on. If you feel you do not have the where a single large blossom had started to appear as early background to answer questions on these sites, there will be as the previous Thanksgiving. printed information and a knowledgeable member there to help you. Call Rita at 540.888.1425 to volunteer for this event. Like the fust spring flowers, the early spring "singing" of -- Rita Bauman frogs had also passed by mid-May. In early March, the

14 Along the Towpath The Monocacy Aqru.nedluct Report

!by Carll JLindlen

MONOCACY AQUEDUCT FILM PREMIERED AT THE backdrop. Doug Faris could not be with us but his presence in MONOCACY AQUEDUCT spirit was manifest.

Our new film, The Monocacy Aqueduct, premiered on the eve The film showing followed the traditional Thru-Hike campers' of April 28th at the Monocacy Aqueduct - where else? The feast at the aqueduct. New York strip steaks were the main first public showing of the film was a treat for the Douglas course. Our chef de steak was no other than hiker-cycler, sag­ Thru-Hiker contingent camping overnight at the Aqueduct on wagon driver, and former federal meat inspector, Lou Odom. the last leg of the trek from Cumberland to Washington to Lou conferred with our chief of hiking nutrition and food commemorate the 40th anniversary of Justice Douglas's supply, Pat White, on the selection of prime sides of meat. famed walk down the canal in 1954. Also among the viewers Once again as so many times during the hike, the indomitable of the film were Deputy Canal Park Superintendent, Kevin Pat sallied forth in her SUV (a most practical vehicle for thru­ Brandt, members of the Canal Park staff, and other guests. hike support)and promptly returned with a choice catch so to The twenty minute film puts the story of the historic structure speak. Lou with practiced eye cut the beef into steaks into the broad context of C & 0 Canal and American history. according to the most exacting specifications with which no It contains much original material as well as a dramatic perfectionist inspector would dare quibble over (at least as reenactment of Confederate attempts to blow up the aqueduct long as Lou stood there holding the cleaver). Each steak was during the Civil War and concludes with a call for the grilled to order by each of the diners themselves circling the restoration of the aqueduct before it falls to the forces of grill. This is a grilling method devised by Ken Rollins--a nature and neglect. The eloquence of the appeal brought tears sure-fire way to head off complaints to the chef that the steak to the eyes of many of the viewers. Praise for the film's was over or under-done! No complaint was heard. All agreed excellence was unanimous. A prize-winner! the steak was superb! All in all, this was an enjoyable and memorable evening on our wonderful and magical canal! The film is a C & 0 Canal Association production and is the result of the high film making talents of Dave Humphrey. DOUG FARIS UNVEILS AQUEDUCT RESTORATION The Canal Association with the help of generous matching AT THE AQUEDUCT funds from the Montgomery County Historical Preservation Commission defrayed some but by no means the full cost of Canal Superintendent Doug Faris announced a plan for the the film. The time and pains Dave Humphrey took in creating restoration of the Monocacy Aqueduct at a press conference the film far exceeds the payment he received. The film is a held at the aqueduct on May 5th. Doug said the plan labor of love. Dave grew up in Cabin John next to the Canal envisages actual renovation work to run about $4.8 million and has known and loved it since childhood. We are fortunate and with other associated costs the final bill will add up to to have Dave among the Canal's champions. about $5.6 million-this total happily is far less than the 28 to 30 million guesstimates of the past. The plan rests on a Our special and warmest thanks go to Superintendent Doug detailed study and hands on investigation of the structure Faris and his fine staff for making the premier of the film at undertaken by McMullan Associates, consulting engineers, the aqueduct not only possible but a very special occasion for and the Architrave architectural firm. The core of the plan all. Upon arriving at the aqueduct the hikers found a entails incorporating into the structure a reinforced concrete commodious camping facility awaiting them-a spacious slab on the base of the aqueduct's canal prism. This interior pavilion tent with tables and seating for everyone, a large reinforcement will not be visible and will permit the removal cooking grill, liquid refreshments, extra toilet facilities, and of the external steel "harness" that presently obscures the numerous other accouterments. Large TV monitors were beauty of line and proportion of the structures seven arches. positioned at one end of the pavilion so viewers could see the Rep. Constance Morella and Sens. Barbara Mikulski Paul story of the aqueduct on video with the aqueduct itself as Sarbanes have pledged their support of

Along the Towpath 15 DOUG FARIS UNVEILS AQUEDUCT RESTORATION Last year, the National Trust for Historic Preservation identified AT THE AQUEDUCT - continued the Monocacy Aqueduct as one of the 11 most endangered historic places in the United States. The National Park Service the plan and to get funding for the project into the federal has just completed a major engineering evaluation that has determined that it is feasible to stabilize this massive stone budget for next year. structure for much less money than was previously thought. The design and engineering for this critical stabilization project The following is a portion of a letter signed by Maryland can be accomplished for $500,000 and the actual stabilization Senators Mikulski and Sarbanes to Honorable Slade Gordon, for approximately $4.5 million. It is my hope that the C & 0 Chairman, Subcommittee on the Interior, March 31, 1999 Canal National Historical Park can proceed with the design phase of the project in Fiscal Year 2000 so that funding can be Restoration of the Monocacy Aqueduct/C&O Canal NHP: realized for the project in FY 2001 . Such funding will ensure (National Park Service Construction Account) that this national treasure will continue as a symbol of early American creativity and engineering . ... Second, we request that S2 million be appropriated to restore the Monocacy Aqueduct, recently designated by the National Carl Linden, chairman of the Monocacy Aqueduct Committee, Trust for Historic Preservation as one of America's most spoke about the C & 0 Canal Association's campaign over the endangered historic places. As you may be aware, the past four years to make the public and our elected Monocacy Aqueduct is widely regarded as the finest historic representatives aware of the urgent need to preserve the canal structure ofits kind still standing in the United States. At historic aqueduct. He also announced that the Association has 538 feet long this 7-arches water bridge is the longest and so far raised $100,000 for the project from the contributions of most elaborate of the 11 aqueducts built on the C&O Canal. a great number of citizens who want the aqueduct saved. John Built between 1829 and 1833, it was a major engineering feat. Viner, co-chairman of the Douglas Thru-Hike, spoke about the Today, it serves as a key link in the physical continuity of the C Association's hike in the last two weeks of April from & 0 Canal National Historical Park tying the towpath together. Cumberland to Washington commemorating the 40th Unfortunately, the Monocacy Aqueduct has suffered severe anniversary of William 0. Douglas' 1954 hike. The hike has deterioration over the years from flood damage, lack of the same general purpose of the original Douglas walk, maintenance, insufficient funds for its repair and neglect. The namely, to help preserve the Canal as a park and to draw quartzite stones have eroded and shifted, threatening to attention to its most pressing needs. John Viner said the hikers destroy the foundation of the aqueduct. After Hurricane Agnes on the basis of first hand observation agreed that the aqueduct in 1972, the National Park Service built steel girders around the restoration project and then the need to address the break in structure to stabilize it, but even those girders may not be towpath continuity along the Big Slackwater above Dam 4 are sufficient to keep it from falling down. If the aqueduct is lost, not only would the C & 0 Canal National Historic Park be cut in priority tasks facing the Canal. Dennis McMullan, chief two, but a very precious piece of canal history would be lost. consulting engineer of McMullan Associates, and Robert Weinstein, architect of Architrave P.C. explained the concept Recent estimates indicate that $5.9 million is needed to of the restoration plan and gave details on how the work would preserve this historic structure. It is our understanding that this be accomplished. They also answered questions about the plan project can be phased with $2 million required in FY 2000 to from those present. Film maker Dave Humphrey introduced complete the design and engineering and repair underwater The Monocacy Aqueduct, the video film premiered a week structural elements. before at the gathering of the Douglas Hikers at the aqueduct. Again the story of the aqueduct was vividly presented to the Next, Rep. Connie Morella's April20, 1999letter to the House assembled representatives of press, TV, and radio, members of Interior Appropriations Subcommittee the Canal Commission and the Association, and invited guests official and unofficial. The film shows eloquently why the This week, hikers set out from Cumberland, Maryland to follow the C & 0 Canal and the historic footsteps of Supreme Court aqueduct is an historic treasure that must not be lost. Justice William 0. Douglas. Justice Douglas made this hike in 1954 to showcase the natural and historic significance of the The press conference received wide coverage in the regional C & 0 Canal. Today, the C & 0 Canal National Historical Park press, radio, and TV. Also on the day of the press conference, includes 1 ,275 historic structures, including 10 stone the Washington Post also gave excellent coverage to the aqueducts, 74 lift locks, inlet locks, large culverts, and facilities aqueduct renovation project. (See, The Washington Post, like the Great Falls Tavern visitor center. Renovation Planned for C & 0 Aqueduct - Structural Wonder May Be Restored to Original Grace. Metro Section, 83, Wed., The Monocacy Aqueduct is the longest and most impressive of the C&O Canal aqueducts. An icon of early American civil May 5, 1999) engineering, the Monocacy Aqueduct is often described by historians as one of the finest remaining canal features in the United States. The span of the aqueduct is 438 feet, which includes seven large arches.

16 Along the Towpath THE NEWS FROM ENGLAND the roads, says Valder, who sees history working for the canals as popular concern about the environment increases. In In England a movement is afoot to return her canal system, a bow to this concern the government is awarding higher now used mainly for recreational boating, to commercial freight-facilities grants to companies investing or reinvesting purposes. Already a 97-mile stretch on the Grand Union in freight handling to move goods by rail or water. Canal in the Midlands has 21 collection points where narrowboats pick up trash for transport to a recycling site at Milton Keynes in Northhamptonshire. This development, according to London's Evening Standard of March 11, 1999, results from what British Waterways' commercial director Ian Valder calls "a strategy of sustainable freight traffic" for Britain's 2000-mile canal system.

A Commercial Narrowboat in Birmingham. Photo by Hal Larsen

The dream is that the waterways will not only be better used but that their reach will be extended. Besides the 2,000 miles currently navigable, there are another 1,000 in weed- and mud-choked ditches and overflow channels that could be A restored Section of the Droitwich Canal. dredged into service if the traffic is there to use it. C&O Photo by Hal Larsen Canal Association members who attended the 1996 international canals conference in England will recall such restoration in progress as enthusiasts worked at dredging the This movement toward returning the canals to their original Droitwich Canal to ready it for use. A substantial part had use has the strong backing of ex-seaman John Prescott, deputy been restored by then, but much remained to be done. prime minister, who recently announced that he was upping British Waterways' annual grant by eight million pounds to 59 million. In May 1999, officials were to begin discussing how to woo business back to the water. On March 18, Planning Minister Richard Caborn announced that seagoing vessels were returning to the inland waterways when he opened the Caldaire Freight Terminal 60 miles inland from the mouth of the Humber River. In addition, about 300,000 tons of construction materials will float to and from the London docklands this year via canals linked to the West India Dock System, taking about 30,000 trucks off the East London streets.

Most goods move around Britain by road. Although half the population live near a navigable waterway, freight customers have gotten into the land habit because water was usually more expensive. The 200-year-old canals are too narrow and Restoring the Droitwich Canal. shallow or pass underneath many low bridges, precluding Photo by Hal Larsen vessels carrying standard-size containers. Still, some freight, mostly bulk goods and especially coal, is now carried by Interest in restoring canals to commercial use is not restricted narrowboats on the canals. British Waterways' Valder sees to England. As reported at the 1996 conference by Francois scope for increased movement of bulk cargoes. Every ton on Bordry, president of Voies Navigable de France, his the water is that much less pollution, congestion and death on organization planned to link up the elements of the French

Along the Towpath 17 THE NEWS FROM ENGLAND - continued There is also an excellent fold-out map of the major U.S. inland-waterways system to form a commercially viable canals prior to 1860. The only significant error that I detected network. He explained how his country would capitalize on its in the entire book occurs on the map - a transposition of the canal system as major freight routes to lower shipping and fuel key numbers identifying two of the canals. Otherwise, the costs and reduce high truck traffic. book appears to have been thoroughly edited for mistakes.

The use of canals (and the rails) to get huge trucks off the The book is published by the Institute of Technology and roads strikes a responsive chord among those who find these Industrial Archaeology at West Virginia University. It is in the vehicles a menace on our own highways. Perhaps someday we same large format as Tom's earlier monographs published by will seek the same solutions to this problem that England and the institute, which covered the Alexandria Canal, Potomac France are now undertaking. Maybe some American working Valley Cement Mills, and C&O Canal Lockhouses. Tom and canals will be put to greater commercial use, and perhaps even Dr. Kemp were assisted in compiling and editing the some unused historic waterways might be restored for this dictionary by a distinguished panel of consulting editors, purpose. Alas, the C&O is not likely to be one of them Gibson Hobbs, Bill McKelvey, Bill Trout, and Terry Woods. because of its proximity to the Potomac River and the attendant flooding problem. Our British cousins don't have -- Dave Johnson this problem. 1999 Annual Meeting Minutes

Everyone complains about the congestion and pollution on The meeting was called to order by Thomas Perry, President, America's highways. Britain and France have the same at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, March 6, 1999 at the Williamsport complaints, but they are seeking to address the problem VFD, Williamsport, Maryland with a quorum of the through the novel approach of returning bulk cargo movement membership being present. The meeting began with the to the waterways, a historical reversion to an earlier time when President's Report, followed by the Treasurer's Report. the canals were the major carriers. Committee reports began with the Audit Committee Report by -- Hal Larsen John Chandler. For the Archives Committee, Molly Schuchat presented Hal Larsen's report. The Bylaws Committee, chaired BOOK REVIEW by William Evans, presented the revised Bylaws. The proposed revised Bylaws were printed in the Winter CANAL TERMINOLOGY OF THE UNITED STATES Newsletter. Specific amendments to the proposed revised Bylaws were approved by the Annual Meeting, as follows: By Thomas Swiftwater Hahn and Emory L. Kemp Article I, Section 5, strike the word "life". Do you know the difference between a chunker and a skuker? How would you set up a hoodledasher? What did the fox Article III, Section 2, strike the word "and" and substitute "or". gang do at a mung meeting? Article VI, Section 5, strike the words "in communities along Because most of our historic canals were independent, the Canal." unconnected systems, distinct operating methods, boat designs, and even terminology evolved in each region. A person The revised Bylaws, with the above-noted changes, were familiar with the C&O Canal reading about, say, the Erie adopted by the membership. Canal will encounter many strange words and expressions. Tom Hahn's latest book is a comprehensive dictionary of Further committee reports were as follows: Continuing Hike American Canal Terms, covering both the regional and Series, by Pat White; Level Walker Committee by Karen Gray; universal technical language of the canal engineers and Membership by William Bauman and Festivals by Rita builders and the slang of the boatmen. It should prove to be an Bauman; Monocacy Aqueduct Fundraising Committee by Carl invaluable reference for both the serious and casual students of Linden; Newsletter by Robert Perry: Public Information by canal history and archaeology. It is profusely illustrated with Mary Lurch; Thru-Hike by Thomas Perry; and Volunteers in photos and drawings. Many of these are of the C&O Canal, the Parks by Patricia White for John Lindt. No reports were which makes it of special interest to our members, although given by the Environmental Committee or the Program many of the pictures will be familiar to readers who have Committee. collected the literature of the C&O, both Tom's previous works and that of others. Other canal systems are also The Nominating Committee of John Chandler, Chris Cerniglia, depicted, if somewhat under represented. Photo reproduction Alvin Cohen and Jim Preston presented the officers, who were is excellent. elected by acclamation, as follows:

18 Along the Towpath 1999 Annual Meeting Minutes - continued and construction adjacent to or in the vicinity of the Canal. The sense of the Board is that this Committee needs President: Thomas Perry representatives from all sections of the Canal. First Vice President: William Evans Festivals Committee (a Bylaws committee): Rita Bauman Second Vice President and Level Walker Chair: Karen Gray requested the Association donate up to $100.00 for Treasurer: David Johnson refreshments for the Williamsport March for Parks. Tom Public Information Officer; Mary Lurch Kozar is eager to let us use his John Boy for a new mug. The Secretary: Rachel Stewart Board approved a motion to order 72 more Monocacy Aqueduct mugs and 144 new John Boy mugs. Donna Swauger For directors, the nominees were all elected by acclamation, as has offered the Visitors Center computer to host a Canal follows: Association page. Level Walkers Committee (a Bylaws committee): Chair is For the term expiring in 200 I: Richard Stoll now Karen Gray. All levels are currently assigned; some For terms expiring in 2002: Bob Humphrey, Don members have taken on more than one level. She has worked Juran, Robert Perry, Gary out a system to notify Nancy Brown when level walkers have Petrichick, and Pat White. very heavy trash bags to be picked up at access points or when they note an urgent problem. Nominating Committee for the year 2000 elections: Pat Membership Committee (a Bylaws committee): Coordinator Barnett, Chris Cerniglia, John Fondersmith, Nancy Long, William Bauman estimates that we have consistently had 20% Mary Ann Moen, and Robert Perry. non-renewals yearly. William Bauman will be resigning after The Park Report was made by Nancy Brown, who in addition this year. to setting up volunteer committees works more and more with Monocacy Aqueduct Fundraising Committee: Chair Carl partnerships and with grant applications. She reported that for Linden reported that a copy of Dave Humphrey's Monocacy the summer internship program, more than 50 students' Aqueduct video was delivered to the M.C.H.P.C. resumes have been received. In Williamsport, on April I 7 the Public Relations and Publications Committee (a Bylaws March for Parks will benefit an amphitheater for the Cushwa committee: Chair Mary Lurch requested help with monitoring Basin. A proposed Bike Patrol to be eyes and ears for the Park the telephone - there are 3-4 messages per week. Helen Shaw, has had over 100 responses; members will begin training in Carl Linden, and Fred Mopsik will work out a relief schedule April and the program will begin Memorial Day; there will be with her. hats and shirts to identify the Patrol. Thru-Hike Committee: Co-Chair John Viner reported that The Maryland Volksport Association presented a $2,000.00 the Montgomery County Civic Federation has chosen the to the C&O Canal Association from volksmarchs along the Association as its "Community Hero" for the month of May towpath. and will present the award at the May 1 banquet. ~-e-~~':~~~':!_e!~.?.!~~~~'!.~c:s_e~e!.:~!~

Along the Towpath 19 ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF CONTRIBUTIONS Kenneth K. LACEY CM William D. MCALLISTER CDM R. Bradley NELSON With appreciation, the C&O Canal Association acknowledges M Roger and Patricia PLASKETT M the following persons who have contributed to the Davies Richard POREMSKI CM Fund (D), C&O Canal Fund (C), or the Monocacy Aqueduct William and Geraldine PRICE c Fund (M) since the last report in ATP: Alan REIN c Joseph G. ROBBINS M Aubrey PEARRE c Diane S. SHEA M Jack MEINERS M Patsy WALDRON c Mr. and Mrs. Milton STICKLES CM Patricia M. NEWTON CM John TOUCHEY M Robert and Eileen RABSON CM Emma Rose DIETER CM Sherwood SMITH c J. Michael LEWIS CM Byron H. SOUDER c Judith E. HARKINS c Stephen R. MOULTON M Loraine and Henry KUMM M Katherine L. POORE M Tom and Linda PERRY CM Joyce M. BLOOM c James & Anne CROCKER M Brewster and Fay CAMPBELL c James B. SPARKS, Jr. CM Robert Little EBERT M MARYLAND VOLKSSPORT Ralph C. HARMAN III c ASSOCIATION M Norma HENDRICKSON M Mary Ann MOEN M Mr. and Mrs. Fred J. RIEDER M Mr. and Mrs. John B. DOAK c Karen and Richard SCHLOSSER M Lyman STUCKER c ZoeZ. ALER CM Mr. and Mrs. Joseph BLOCH M Arthur L. CLAYTON c Mr. and Mrs. Fielding OGBURN M Ralph and Adele DONNELLY CDM Patricia A SZERVO M Ruth A. DUDGEON c Betty JAMES M Mark PODVIA M Martha J. CARRY M Howard W. SOLOMON c Mr. and Mrs. Herbert H. CLAPP M Harry E.T. THAYER CDM Mr. and Mrs. Louis A. JURGENS M Nicholas J. BARNARD CM Eldred MORRIS M Daniel DAVIS c Jerry L. ADDICKS M Mr. and Mrs. Peter L. DUREN M Mr. and Mrs. Pierre S. PALMER M Joseph B. ECKELS M Donald H. MCCLELLAND M Walter G. GILBERT M Dennis N. MCCANN M Dr. and Mrs. Donald MCNELLIS M Joan G. PAULL M Judith S. OLMER M John and Mickey REED M Mr. and Mrs. Mark D. PANKIN CM William and Betty SPECK M H. J. PRICE, Sr. M Dr. and Mrs. Abner BRENNER M Pamela R. REMPT M Richard A. BUTLER CM Mr. and Mrs. Alan J. WALLS c M. Genevieve TAYLOR M Patrick H. STAKEM M Edward and Jean DWYER M William A. BOLHOFER M Helen L. JOHNSTON CM Stephanie CHAUFOURNIER M H. William KULP M June DOSIK c David E. LEPKOWSKI M Dorothy P. HARDEN CM Norman LIEBOW c David and Joy MACDONALD CM Barry MACINTOSH M William L. TAMMARO M Thomas J. PATTON c Gene and Inga WEINBACH M Walter L. WILT M Franklin and Cathleen COOK M Mr. and Mrs. Alexanser WINICK c Michael and Susan COREN CM Neil L. ADAMS M Gladys H. FULLER M James R. ALDEN M Anne P. WRIGHT CDM Joseph J. BANISZEWSKI M WOLFE'S ON THE SQUARE c William J. DUDDLESON CM G.A. MILLER LUMBER COMPANY c Phyllis L. ELLIOTT c GARDEN STATE TANNING c Diane and John FERENCE M CERTAINTEED c Mary E. FERRIS M REDLAND BRICK, INC. c Ronald H. FISHER M Ruth Stone ECKEL M Donald H. GROELSEMA M Susan M. GRIFFIN M Judith A. HECHT CM Julie STEWART M William D. HIBBARD M Thomas B. HALL M John and Shizue HOWE M Scott A. WALKER c Barry JACOBS c Kevin D. WALKER c

20 Along the Towpath Michael J. BUCCI M Harry LEVINE, Jr. c Joseph A. BURKE Ill M Leslie A. MEIL c Laila W. LINDEN M David POPPER CM Ann T. SIMPSON M Thomas B. REDFERN Ill CM Nathaniel P. BREED CM E. Leo SLAGGIE c C.H. BREEDLOVE M Leslie K. SMITH c Joan C. BURKE CM Lee C. STRUBLE CM Gertrude T. FITZSIMMONS M RichardS. UGELOW c Carroll E. MORGAN c John F. WEEKS c Katherine SAVAGE CM Donald JURAN M Elizabeth P. STONE CM William H. ALKIRE M Maurice and Gerry COMPHER c Ruth and Morris ALLEN M John R. COOK M Charles and Sylvia DISS M Elizabeth M. DUNLAP c John FRAGALE CM Gerald G. GOLD M Francis and Matile HUGO CM Brant GOLDWYN M Mr. and Mrs. Robert LEDLEY M Norman E. GUNDERSON M Dward and Jeanine MOORE M George J. HILLEY CM Penny O'BRIEN M John F. HOSTIE CM Gerald PRESSMAN c Carolyn W. JOHNSON M Douglas G. SANDERS CM EvyJORDAN CM Helen I. W ALSTEDT c George T. KELLER CM Jane M. WEISEMANN M

1999 Calendar of Upcoming Events

Event

Monthly Wed, Sat Sights and Sounds of the Seasons nature walks are scheduled four times monthly on the first and last Wednesday and Saturday. Meet in Great Falls Tavern at 10 AM to begin with a brief slide show. Hikes are led by Park Service Volunteers Betty Bushell, Betty Henson, and Helen Johnston.

NPS Workday - location and activity to be determined. Call NPS Volunteer Office for information, Spring and 301-767-3706 o4 301-714-2233. Fall

Jun-Aug Sat-Sun Lock 75 at North Branch, The Association is recruiting volunteers to staff the lockhouse on weekends, interact with the public, and provide information about the park and the Association. Contact Rita Bauman, 540-888-1425.

Jun 26 Sat Continuing Hike Series, 10:30 AM. Shepardstown Bridge (Ferry Hill-- Park Headquarters) downstream. From Boonsboro follow route 34 through Sharpsburg to left turn opposite Ferry Hill. Park under bridge. Pat White 301-977-5628.

Jul4 Sun Montgomery County History Tour. Rileys Lockhouse, Contact Dave Johnson, 301-530- 7473.

Jul 11 Sun Potluck Dinner, 6:00PM. Friends of the Tavern and the C&O Canal Association. Great Falls Tavern.

Jul24 Sat Canoe the Potomac from Brunswick to Monacacy landing. Contact Carl Linden 301-229- 2398 or Ken Rollins, 804-448-2934.

Jul25 Sun Continuing Hike Series, 10:30 AM. Dargans Bend upstream. From 340 West turn left at the blinking yellow light, take the 1st right to Sandy Hook, drive past Sandy Hook, ascend the mountain, take 1st left after descending, and follow to the boat ramp. Pat White 301-977- 5628.

Along the Towpath 21 Aug Sat--Sat Montgomery County Fair -- the Montgomery County Historical Society, C&O Canal Association , and other preservation groups share a booth. Contact COCA Coordinator -­ Nancy Long 301-320-2330 for information.

Aug 1 Sun Board Meeting, Williamsport Library, 1:00 PM

Aug28 Sat Continuing Hike Series, 10:30 AM. Edwards Ferry upstream. Follow River Road to T intersection with Edwards Ferry Road. Tum left, bear left at bottom of hill. Pat White 301- 977-5628.

Aug 28-29 Sat-Sun Williamsport Canal Days. Contact Tom and Linda Perry, 301-223-7010

Sep 12 Sun Happy Birthday Montgomery County, Rockville. Co-hosted by the Montgomery County Historical Society. Contact Ellen Holway 302738-7894.

Sep 11, 12 Sat, Sun Hancock Canal Apple Days. Contact John and Jeri Popenoe, 301-678-6379.

Sep 11 Sat Canal Day (Association Work Day at C&O Canal Visitors Centers) 9:00AM. Call John Lindt 3 01-469-63 81 for details.

Sep 17-19 Fri-Sun Sharpsburg Heritage Festival.

Sep 18-19 Sun-Fri Frederick County Fair. Contact Jack Smith, 301-663-9073.

Sep 18-19 Sat-Sun Annual overnight PawPaw Bends canoe trip. Contact Carl Linden 301-229-2398 or Ken Rollins , 804-448-2934.

Sep 19 -25 Sun-Fri Sharpsburg Heritage Festival. Contact Joan and Bob Fisher, 301-416-6379.

Sep 26 Sun Continuing Hike Series 10:30 AM Lock 56 (Pearre) upstream to Sidling Hill Aqueduct.

Oct 2-3 Sat-Sun Brunswick Railroad Days. Contact Mary Lurch, 301-657-9542.

Oct 3 Sun Board Meeting, Glen Echo Town Hall, 1:00 PM.

Oct 9-14 Sat-Thr Thru Bicycle Trip. Contact Tom Perry, 301-223-7010.

Oct 11 Sat Canal Day (Association Work Day at C&O Canal Visitors Centers) 9:00AM. Call John Lindt 301- 469-63 81 for details.

Oct23 Sat Heritage Hike near Cumberland. Details to be announced.

Nov28 Sun Continuing Hike Series, 10:30 AM. Whites Ferry downstream . Route 28 west from Rockville, to left fork (107) to Poolesville. Follow 107 through Poolesville to White's Ferry. Pat White 301-977-5628.

Dec4 Sat Frostbite Hike. Location to be announced. Ken Rollins 804-448-2934.

Dec 5 Sun Board Meeting, Williamsport, Tom and Linda Perry's, 116 Conococheague St., Williamsport, 1:00 PM.

Dec 31 Fri New Years Eve Hike. Location to be announced.

22 Along the Towpath Along the Towpath is published in March, June, September, and DIRECTORY December by the : C & 0 CANAL NHP C & 0 Canal Association TELEPHONE NUMBERS AND PERSONNEL P.O. Box 366 Glen Echo, MD 20812-0366 C & 0 CANAL NHP HOTRS Box 4, Sharpsburg, MD 21782 301·739-4200 Articles for publication should be received by the 15th of the Superintendent Douglas Faris month prior to publication. Please mail articles to: Assistant Superintendent Kevin Brandt Chief Ranger Keith Whisenant Robert C. Perry Admin Officer Pat Clark Editor, Along the Towpath Asst Ch. Ranger & Chief. Visitor Protection Branch Vacant 12713 Knightsbridge Drive Chief, Natural and Cultural Resource Mgmt Branch Doug Stover Woodbridge, Virginia 22192 Chief, Interpretation Branch Debbie Conway e-mail :janeandbob [email protected] Chief of Maintenance Bob Hartman Volunteer Coordinator Nancy Brown Membership in the C & 0 Canal Association is open to all persons Flood Recovery Team Don Copenhaver with an interest in the C & 0 Canal, the C & 0 Canal Historic Park, and the Potomac River Basin. Annual membership dues are $1 5 PALISADES DISTRICT individual, $20 family, and $25 patron, and are assessed on a 11710 MacArthur Blvd, Potomac, MD 20854 calendar-year basis. Dues should be mailed to the C & 0 Canal Association at the above address, A newsletter subscription is District Ranger 301· 767·3707 Tom Nash included with membership. The Association is a non-profit Supv Ranger· Fee Collection 301·767·3703 Terry Barbo! organization as defined by section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and all contributions are tax deductible. GEORGETOWN VISITORS CENTER 1055 Thomas Jefferson Street. Washington, D.C. 202·653·5190 The C&O Canal Association maintains a home page on the WWW Sup. Ranger · Interpretation Kathy Kupper at http:l/www.cyberrealm.net/canal. The COCA Webmaster is Olivia Casasanovis. COCA also maintains a telephone for GREAT FALLS TAVERN VISITORS CENTER information and inquiries. Please direct calls to (301) 983-0825. Great Falls Tavern Information 301 ·299·3613 Sup. Ranger ·Interpretation 301·767-3702 Faye Walmsley C & 0 CANAL ASSOCIATION 1999 Association Officers The Palisades District begins at Milepost 0 (Tidelock) and continues to Milepost 42.19 (Monocacy River). President: leperry(!!lerols.com Thomas L. Perry 116 S. Conococheague St. WESTERN MARYLAND DISTRICT 301·223-7010 Williamsport, MD 21795 District Ranger 30 1·842·3128 Mark Spier First Vice President: William J. Evans 830 W. 40 111 Street Western Subdistrict 301 ·478·5063 · Old Town Matt Stoffolano 41 0·243·5677 Baltimore, MD 21211 Second VP & Level Walker Chairperson: kmgrayphd~compuserve.com Central Subdistrict 301·842·3279 · Four Locks John Bailey Karen M. Gray 825 New Hampshire Ave. NW George Delancey 202·333·6947 #314, Washington, luis Krug D.C. 20037·2307 Eastern Subdistrict 301-432·6348 ·Antietam Creek Bill Orlando District Interpreter Martin Gallery Rachel L. Stewart 5914 Washington Street 301 ·582·0813 703-237·4727 Arlington, VA 22205 WILLIAMSPORT VISITORS CENTER 205 West Potomac Street, Williamsport, MD 21795 301 ·582·0813 David M. Johnson 9211 Wadsworth Dr. Park Ranger · Interpretation Donna Swauger 301·530·7473 Bethesda, MD 20817 Information Officer HANCOCK VISITORS CENTER Mary L. Fondersmith 6417 Western Ave. ,N.W. 301 ·678·5463 202·966·8431 Washington, D.C. 20015 326 East Main Street Hancock, Maryland 21750 Park Ranger · Interpretation Paul Apple Board of Oirectors:(Terms expire in 2002) Robert Humphrey, Don Juran, Robert C. Perry, Gary M. Petrichick [email protected], Richard Stoll, Patricia White CUMBERLAND VISITORS CENTER [email protected](Terms expire in 2001)Karen M. Gray/, Fred I. Mopsik 301·722·8226 [email protected],Helen L. Shaw, Michael Schuchat, John G. Vinerr.(Terms expire in Western Maryland Station,Cumberland, Maryland 21502 2000)Christine Cerniglia [email protected], Carl Linden, Mary A. Moen, James Preston, Park Ranger· Interpretation Rita Knox Ken Rollins The Western Maryland District begins at Milepost 42.19 (Monocacy River) and ends at the Committees (Contact at the COCA telephone number or write to COCA)) Canal Terminus, Cumberland, Milepost 184.5. Archives Hal Larsen Canal Restoration/Monocacy Aqueduct Carl linden OTHER USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS: Environmental Ralph Donnelly/Fred Mopsik 24·Hour Emergency 301 ·739 ·4206 Level Walkers Karen Gray Georgetown Boat Operation 202-653·5844 Membership Rita Bauman Abner Cloud House 202·472-2679 Programs Sonny DeForge/ Ken Rollins Fletcher's Boat House (Concessionaire) 202-244·0461 VIPs John Lindt Canal Clipper, Great Falls Tavern 301 ·299·2026 Membership Coordinator William Mauman Swains Lock (Concessionaire) 301·299·9006 Editorial Robert C. Perry Carderock and Marsden Reservations 301·299·3613

Editorial Staff: Don Juran, Carl A. linden, Jane D. Perry, Ken Rollins FOR LIFE-THREATENING EMERGENCIES DIAL 911

Along the Towpath 23 MARK YOUR CALENDAR In t his i ssue . ....

Thru-Bike Trip Oct 11-14 FILLED Level Walkers ...... 1 NeverUnderestimate a Culvert ...... 2 Fall Heritage Hike -October 23 A Level Walker'sView of the Canal...... 3 Cumberland Area On the Level...... 5 President's Message ...... 6 Potluck Dinner- Great Falls Tavern - July 11 - Douglas Memorial Hike Journal, 1999©...... 8 Bring Folding Chairs and Salad, Main Course, or March For Parks-Williamsport...... 13 Desert for you plus four. Nature Notes, Green Violets and Other Spring Mysteries ...... 14 For Other Events See the Calendar on Montgomery County History Tour Day ...... 14 Page 21 and 22 The Monocacy Aqueduct Report ...... 15 Doug Faris Unveils Aqueduct Restoration at the Aqueduct ...... 15 The News From England ...... 17 COFFEE MUG Book Review ...... 18 The popular 11 oz. white coffee mug with Tom Kozar's Annual Meeting Minutes ...... 18 drawing of the Monocacy Aqueduct in light blue on it. It is for Minutes of the Board of Directors ...... 19 sale at all Association events and at all the festivals noted in Acknowledgment of Contributions ...... 20 the Calendar of Events. All profits from the sale of this mug, Calendar of Upcoming Events ...... 21 the first in the canal series, are deposited in the Monocacy Directory ...... 23 Aqueduct Fund. The price is $6.00 plus MD tax .. Mark Your Calendar...... 24 Coffee Mug ...... 24

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

A New Members List Will Appear in the September Issue of Along the Towpath

CHESAPEAKE AND OHIO CANAL ASSOCIATION, INC. P.O. Box 366 First Class Mail Glen Echo, MD 20812-0366 U.S. POSTAGE PAID Woodbridge, VA Permit No. 70

I, I I, I, I I Ill, I I II,, I II, I, I I I I II, I I, I, I I Ill, I, I I ,I, 1,, 1,11, I I II

JOHN C. FRYE 3122 KAETZEL RD ROHRERSVILLE MD 21779-1219

The Mule

24 Along the Towpath